"Spirit Collectors" and the return of The Thermals

 

Many of us Pacific Northwest music fans miss Portland's The Thermals. Fortunately for us, Hutch Harris of The Thermals also decided that he missed The Thermals. So, ten years after terminating the band, we have a new single and an upcoming album. The album is titled Under The Crushing Rain and will be released on September 4 via Hutch's Static Catsup Aspic label. Yes, that is a long time to wait, but you can thrill to the lead single "Spirit Collectors", a rant against the people that waste your time and suck your soul. As a bonus, we also have streamed "Good Morning Fellow Scavengers" which is also on the album.

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"Never Never Again" by Real Numbers

 

Our expectations are always high for any new recording from Real Numbers, and we are never disappointed.   Their latest slice if indie pop craftsmanship is "Never Never Again", the first single released from the upcoming LP Was It Always This Way. The song has delicious jangle and an appealing vibe of early '90s UK guitar pop. Good things are coming --  the album is due  August 14 via Slumberland Records.

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"Share The Right Line" by Van Chamberlain

 

We think and day is a good day for some up tempo guitar pop. Today's first dose is the sparkling "Share The Right Line" by New York quartet Van Chamberlain. Tasty hooks, yearning vocals and a welcome summery sheen make this a highlight track. And we also were thrilled to learn that the band is planning a September release of their second album, As Far As The Eye Can See.

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Season 2 - Power of Now

 

Over the years we have been impressed by the ability of Australian indie bands to meld some of our favorite musical bands into a pop concoction that fires our pleasure centers to great effect. Power of Now by Season 2 is, in our opinion, somewhat of a double meld because, in addition to combining some of our favorite indie pop styles, it also is the work of members from some of out favorite Australian bands -- The Stroppies, School Damage, and Parsnip. This is pop music, but it is pop music with mutations, unexpected angles and rhythms and idiosyncratic deliveries. It also is undeniably catchy and captivating, with enthusiastic group vocals, superb musicianship and touches that reference some of the finest bands in the past, including Glasgow's Vaselines and New Zealand's The Clean. This is an album we turn to again and again -- we just can't quit it. Dive in, and fail to quit it for yourself.

Season 2 are Claudia Serfaty (keys/vocals), Freya McLeod (guitar/vocals), Matt Powell (guitar/vocals), Charlotte Zarb (bass/vocals), and Carolyn Hawkins (drums/vocals). Power of Now is out via Upset the Rhythm and Spoilsport Records.

Bandcamp for Power of Now 

Upset The Rhythm Records 

Spoilsport Records

Prism Shores - Softest Attack

 

In our memories, Montreal band Prism Shores walked the boundary between guitar pop and shoegaze, and they did it well -- familiar but with just enough individual character to stand out from the crowd. But our expectations for Softest Attack, their new album, required readjustment upon the first listen. On this new outing the band leans hard into indie pop and jangle, and they do it with flair and a keen understanding of the diversity of the genre. The sound is bright and clear, the arrangements detailed and the instrumentation rich and layered. But there is nothing twee about the outing -- the amps are turned up and the rhythm section rocks. To our ears Softest Attack could represent Creation Records as well as Sarah Records, while evoking Teenage Fanclub and New Zealand's The Bats. If you like indie jangle and fuzzy indie rock, you owe it to yourself to check out this album.

Prism Shores are Jack MacKenzie (guitar/bass/vocals), Ben Gross (guitar/bass/vocals), Luke Pound (drums/guitar/vocals), and Finn Dalbeth (guitar/vocals). Softest Attack is our now via Meritorio Records.

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"This Is Our Life" by Nina Winder-Lind

 

We were not previously familiar with Nina Winder-Lind or The New Eaves, the band of which she is a member. But we are quite taken with her new single "This Is Our Life". The song begins with restraint. But as it nears the first minute it opens up into a rousing folk pop romp. Coupled with an appealing video, we needed to play it through a half-dozen times to jump start our day. We will be looking forward to more gems from this Brighton-based Swede.

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Various links for "This Is Our Life"

"All Your Yesterdays" by The Hanging Stars

 

Today brings our ears "All Your Yesterdays" -- a perfect slice of jangle pop by London's The Hanging Stars. The vocals, guitars and introspective lyrics recall the warmth of Laurel Canyon guitar pop and makes us yearn for more. And more we will get, as this single is the second song shared from the band's upcoming LP Just A Day. If we participated in the betting markets, we would be tempted to bet that it will be one of our favorites this year.

The Hanging Stars are Richard Olson (guitars/vocals), Patrick Ralla (guitars/keys/vocals), Paul Milne (bass/vocals), and Paulie Cobra (drums/percussion/vocals). Just A Day will be out June 19 via Loose Music.

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Various links for single

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Various links for album 

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Kitchenettes - Sunday Best 7"

 

As it is Sunday, we think it is time to put on our Sunday Best. For you, putting on your Sunday best may be your best outfit, and we do not intend to dissuade you. You need to do you, and in our opinion too many people dress like they have a poor self image. But for us, Sunday Best also means a wonderful 7" by San Francisco project Kitchenettes. The members are Morgan, Emily, and Sequoia, whose collective resume includes bands The Umbrellas, Telephone Numbers, and The Snogs. The recording consists of three delicate and charming songs that warmly reflect '80s - '90s girl-group pop. We can only hope that this 7" prompts the Kitchenettes to continue writing and recording.

Sunday Best is available in vinyl from three labels (pick your continent!): Slumberland Records in the US, Meritorio Records in Europe, and Galaxy Train in Japan. Digital downloads also are available at the Slumberland and Galaxy Train links below.

Slumberland's Bandcamp for 7" 

Meritorio Records

Galaxy Train Bandcamp for 7"

Softjaw - Softjaw

 

The sun is out and Springtime is invading out world. In such times, our musical interests expand to music with a wide scope and a tempo that invites driving on the open roads in a convertible -- even if we are stuck in an office. Fortunately, Long Beach indie rockers Softjaw understand us. They know we need crunchy, riff and hook infused traveling music with power pop harmonies. And that is just what they delivered in their debut, self-titled mini-LP.

The core of the band is the duo of Tanner Duffy and Dustin Lovelis, who write all of the songs (except for the occasional cover of a song by a worthy such as Paul Collins). Softjaw is out now via Oakland's Dandy Boy Records.

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"Lorene" by Maxwell Farrington and Le SuperHomard

 

Well, that's us blown away. It is the fault of Maxwell Farrington & Le SuperHomard (aka Christophe Vaillant) via their new single "Lorene". A cinematic dream pop gem, the song recalls classic French pop. Farrington's evocatively melancholy vocals are balanced by lush orchestration and the backing vocals of Lily Buchanan. After hearing "Lorene" we discovered that it was the third single from the duo's upcoming LP, titled Window Tax. The album is out April 24 via Talitres, and we look forward to discussing it here at that time.

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Research Vessel - Part of the Charm EP

 

Seattle's Danny Rowland was the songwriter and lead guitarist of our beloved (by us) band Seapony. That project may be retired to a watery pasture, but Danny now helms the similarly nautically-themed band Research Vessel. Danny's sweet spot is jangling guitar pop with quiet vocals and an insistent beat. On the new EP, Part of the Charm, the craftsmanship is evident in the songwriting and arrangements. The vibe is sunny and relaxed, the lyrics evocative rather than narrative. It is only five tracks, but it is a charming set of songs that you can listen to over and over. And if you like it, you can consider the 2024 and 2025 EPs from Research Vessel which also are available via Bandcamp.

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Ceylon Sailor - The Tiny Wave EP

 

On of the simple delights of life that helps make our day is getting new music from a band previously unknown to us. One recent such occurrence was an email with a link to The Tiny Wave, a four-track EP from Brooklyn, New York band Ceylon Sailor. What king of music? Well, it is guitar pop. But it also is indie rock. And some quite definitely (we think) is what some call yacht rock (for the record, we like yachts, especially if G&Ts are being served). What's more -- there are horns! And to our ears, it all mixes together is an upbeat, even euphoric wall of sound that is going to carry us through this weekend. It is just what we needed, because with the price of gas we certainly aren't driving anywhere this weekend. Sail on, Ceylon Sailor!

The sailors in this crew are KM Sigel, Kieran Kelly, Andrew Wood, Dave Long, Paul Brodhead, and Seth Ondracek. 

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"Doing Donuts" by Matti Jasu

 

Perhaps we should apologize at the outset, because "Doing Donuts" is one of those songs that invades your brain and won't let go. You may find yourself humming it in the lunch line, or while waiting for the bus. It just won't let go. And why should it? It puts a bounce in your step, prompts you to stand taller and gives you a jolt of energy. The lyrics aren't quite as happy as all that, focusing on societal rot and a personal feeling of going in circles. But damn, it is a fine song!

The artist is Turku, Finland musician and songwriter Matti Jasu. The song is a digital single and is out now. See the Bandcamp link below.

Matti Jasu · Matti Jasu - Doing Donuts

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"Thirty-Seven Forever" by Rural France

 

As war continues in the Mideast, prices rise and the markets fall, we desperately needed a song to make us feel happy on this Monday morning. Fortunately, the boys of UK band Rural France came to the rescue with the irrepressible "Thirty-Seven Forever". With the universal theme of resisting getting old and meaty riffs and a dose of distortion, it brought a smile to our face and made us feel alive and resilient until our financial advisor called.

"Thirty-Seven Forever" is the second single from the band's upcoming Sloths album, which will be released May 8 via Meritorio Records and Safe Suburban Home Records.

Rural France are Tom Brown and Rob Frawkes. For this album they are joined by Jeff Hamm on drums. John Hare plays horns on two album tracks.

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"Paper Doll" by Yea-Ming and the Rumors

 

One of our favorite vocalists is Yea-Ming Chen of Yea-Ming and the Rumors. They are gracing the world with a new album titled Residue on June12 via Dandy Boy Records. And if you want to know why Yea-Ming is a vocalist we hold in high esteem, or if you just want to hear a really good song, check out "Paper Doll" below. For Yea-Ming, the song is introspective and deeply felt. But even if you don't connect with that vibe, we expect you will agree that it is a striking slice of indie pop.

In addition to Yea-Ming, the band consists of Eoin Galvin, Rob Good, and Luke Robbins.

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"Luck" by Sumos

That scuzzy indie rock sound from Manchester never fails to excite. Today it comes to us via "Luck", the first single and title track from the forthcoming EP from Manchester four-piece Sumos. Melodic, tightly constructed and dynamic, the song suggests that the band has continued to build on its strengths since its 2023 debut LP Surfacing.

Sumos was formed by Joel Sloan and Kyle Tarbuck, and now also includes Siobhan McKnight and Andrew Kilroy. Luck will be released May 8 via Meritorio Records and Safe Suburban Home records.

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"Ways of the World" and "Muscle Memory" by Telephone Romeo

 

Please meet Aleksi Skippari, a Finnish musician and producer. He has announced that his project Telephone Romeo has come of age, and will be fully unveiled June 5 via his self-titled debut album. You can sample Aleksi's robust and wide ranging talent on two single releases from the album, "Ways of the World" and "Muscle Memory". The first is a rollicking garage rocker, the second is a soaring synth banger. Very good stuff, we think.

The ten track album will be released via Soliti Music. Aleksi sang and played guitars, bass, and keyboards. Samuli Kesti played the drums.

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Bandcamp for "Ways of the World"

Bandcamp for "Muscle Memory"

The Just Joans - Romantic Visions of Scotland

 

There are bands that sing about mutual love, sunshine, puppies, triumphs, redemption and similar uplifting things. Then there are The Just Joans. This band makes us happy by singing about disappointments, regrets, failures, shipwrecked romances and the other bits and bobs we call real life. And it all goes down well because they do it with a keep eye, sharp wit, and warmth. The music is damn fine as well, recalling the best of shaggy UK indie pop.

On Romantic Visions of Scotland, the band's recent release, the humor on offer is evident just by perusing the song titles, such as "Strictly Presbyterian", "Back On The Meds", "Romantic Visions (Prepare For Disappointment)", and "Drinking On A Weeknight". Moreover, The Just Joans include lyrics to enhance the listener's enjoyment of the songs. And those of us who have ever sought inspiration to write a song can only admire the band's knack for turning an ordinary event of daily life into a tasty slice of pop music. Please listen to the album and see if you agree with our assessment that this band is a indie pop treasure.

The Just Joans are David Pope and Kate Pope, joined on this album by Chris Elkin, Fraser Ford, Arion Xenos and Jason Sweeney. Additional contributions were made by Maya Burman-Roy (cello), Fenwick Lawson (trombone), and Stuart Pollack (trumpet). Romantic Visions of Scotland is out now via Fika Recordings.

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"Lonely Hearts Pyramid Scheme" by Rural France

 

Fresh from the UK, we have the new single by Rural France, and we think this song may resonate some music fans. The winners of the world get adulation, riches, and most of what everyone strive for. But who thinks of the losers? Rural France, that's who. "Lonely Hearts Pyramid Scheme" is an anthem for those of us unsuccessful at love (by the way, the "us" is the royal "us" -- we would never admit to being unsuccessful at love). "Lonely Hearts Pyramid Scheme" is a lively, soaring tune and the first single to be shared from the upcoming LP Sloths. We know we are going to love it.

Rural France are Tom Brown and Rob Frawkes. For this album they are joined by Jeff Hamm on drums. John Hare plays horns on this single and on one other album track.  Sloths will be released May 8 via Meritorio Records and Safe Suburban Home Records.

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Hater - Mosquito

 

Malmo, Sweden's Hater has justifiably gathered increasing respect and a growing fanbase with their first three albums. But rather than capitalizing on that success by quickly cranking out a fourth album, the band took three years to create the recently released Mosquito. Was that because the band knew that the bar for excellence keeps rising, or because good art takes a long time? We don't know what answer the band would provide (although it seems to us that the answer to both questions likely it "yes"). However, we do know that the result of their efforts is exhilarating and satisfying. The album is intensely introspective and bittersweet while simultaneously shimmering and pulsing with energy. Hater writes good songs reflecting bittersweet romance, dark romance and more than a touch of the surreal. And the writing is matched by the performances -- arena level drumming, throbbing bass, inspired guitar and a highly evocative vocals. Is it their best album so far? We think so. And more significantly, we think it is one of the best rock/pop albums of the year so far.

Hater are Caroline Landahl, Mans Leonartsson, Rasmus Andersson, and Adam Agace. Mosquito is out now via Fire Records. 

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